Camping in the Rain: Tips to Stay Warm and Dry

If you enjoy outdoor recreation of any kind, getting caught in the rain at some point is inevitable. Here’s how to deal with it.

Being prepared before you go, having quality equipment, and knowing how to protect yourself when rain does come can make camping in it just another day on the trail.

While we may have a few good stories of “miserable” nights spent camping in a wet sleeping bag, in some climates, wet gear can be more of a hazard than just an inconvenience. Here’s how you can set yourself up to weather the storm when precipitation rolls in.

Tips for Camping in the Rain

1. Plan for Rain

The first part of camping in the rain is to assume it’s going to happen. Before you even start packing, check the weather forecast, no matter the length of the trip. Knowing what the weather might do can be highly advantageous for preparing physically and mentally to camp in the rain.

2. Gear Prep

The outdoor industry loves GORE-TEX — and for good reason. It sheds water efficiently while allowing for flexible movement and breathability. If GORE-TEX materials are taken care of by washing and treating them with Nikwax, they will stay waterproof in harsh environments.

The same goes for tents, tarps, backpacks, and other gear. Check tents and tarps for pinholes and patch them before waterproofing. Even the most expensive gear needs to receive care and maintenance if it’s going to last. If staying dry is a priority, care for the gear that will help you do that.

3. Choose the Right Materials

Always, always, always choose synthetic materials over cotton if you plan to be wet. Polyester, fleece, and wool can also provide warmth even when wet. Cotton, by contrast, will soak up water and lose all ability to keep you warm.

The same applies to down material. If there’s rain in the forecast, a synthetic sleeping bag is a better choice than down because it insulates even when wet.

4. Clothing Layers

Whenever hiking and camping in the rain, layer your clothes. The outer layer will always be a waterproof shell jacket and rain pants. Then you should have an insulating layer and a base layer underneath that.

Remember that temperatures will drop when a rainstorm rolls in and as night grows closer. Layers give you a higher chance of having some dry clothes and allow you to better adapt to changing weather conditions.

5. Bring Waterproof Bags

If you live and camp in a wet climate, black contractor trash bags will become your new best friend. Bringing along one that can line the inside of a larger pack and keep everything dry. You can also put it over the outside of the pack overnight to avoid a wet bag in the morning.

If you prefer a little more style and color coordination, you can also invest in a backpack rain cover.

Ziploc and other, more expensive brands offer a lot of fantastic waterproof bags. The smaller quart bags are great for phones and wallets, and gallon bags will keep a book bone dry for nighttime in the tent. And don’t forget about dry bags]. Small waterproof bags help keep your gear organized and ensure everything is dry.